IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 7 -- Kia Motors America today officially
unveiled its fourth model to the public. The all-new 2000 Kia Spectra is a
hatchback sport sedan designed for people on the go. It is slated to be
available in dealerships this spring, and it is expected to further boost
Kia's already rapid sales growth. The company's sales increased nearly
60 percent in 1999.
Being introduced to the public in consecutive debuts at the Greater Los
Angeles Auto Show and the North American International Auto Show, the Spectra
will maintain Kia's reputation for high-value, well-built vehicles in a
strikingly contemporary four-door hatchback silhouette. Despite an expectedly
low sticker price, the Spectra is equipped with a high-tech 1.8-liter DOHC
engine and sophisticated suspension set-up, which gives the car surprising
performance. In addition, it can be easily and affordably modified to give
just the level of performance and appearance its buyers desire.
The Spectra offers the versatility and convenience of a hatchback
configuration with the sleek, modern look of a four-door sedan. Its standard
split-folding rear seat and wide, easy-opening rear hatch allows the Spectra
to accommodate a variety of passenger and cargo combinations. Its exterior
styling includes such upscale touches as clear-lens headlights, body-color
bumpers, remote-control body-color mirrors, and multi-speed windshield wipers,
yet its base price is expected to be close to $10,000.
The Spectra will be available in both GS and GSX trim levels, and it is
expected to be a popular platform for affordable performance modifications.
The 1.8-liter DOHC puts out 125 horsepower through a slick-shifting five-speed
manual transmission, giving the Spectra a level of acceleration that belies
its low price and makes it a good candidate for performance tuning.
The all-independent suspension was tuned by Lotus Engineering for
responsive handling and ride comfort. The sophisticated layout uses
MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link design in the rear. Front and
rear stabilizer bars are standard on both Spectra models. Aiding handling is
the precise rack-and-pinion steering system equipped with an
engine-speed-sensitive power assist.
Both Spectra trim levels are equipped with power-assisted vented front
disc brakes and rear drums. A Kelsey-Hayes-designed four-sensor, four-channel
antilock braking system (ABS) is optional.
Like the high-style exterior, the Spectra interior has the look and feel
of a more expensive car. The ergonomically designed instrument panel puts
gauges and controls right where you'd expect them. The adjustable seats are
covered in a rich, durable fabric, and the interior offers more head, hip and
leg room than its Japanese nameplate competition.
Despite its entry-level price, the Spectra GS features a wide variety of
standard items, including full fabric interior, split-folding rear seat,
console/armrest, AM/FM/cassette stereo sound system, tinted glass and
tachometer. On the exterior, the GS offers upscale touches that include
body-color bumpers, remote-control mirrors and door handles, full wheel
covers, bright exhaust tip, rear defroster and two-speed windshield wipers.
The GSX trim level offers all these standard features plus a broad range
of additions. On the exterior, the GSX adds alloy wheels, front and rear air
dams, body skirts, rear spoiler, and a bodyside pinstripe treatment. Inside,
the additions are even more extensive: sport fabric seats, leather-wrapped
tilt steering wheel, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, air conditioning, power
windows and power door locks. A sophisticated four-speed automatic
transmission, cruise control, AM/FM/CD stereo sound system, door-mounted
tweeter speakers, variable intermittent wipers, power mirrors, and keyless
entry are on the option list.
Like all the hot-selling Kia models, which include the Sephia compact
sedan, Sportage sport-utility vehicle and Sportage 2-Door Convertible, the
Spectra will be covered by two very impressive warranties: a
three-year/36,000-mile basic limited vehicle warranty and
five-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain coverage.
Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia
Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.
(Photo:
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